Air coolers

[lisilou]

We've got a week booked off beginning of August, spending it on the boat (surprise, surprise) but this time we're bringing the dogs. Normally we don't bring them as it just gets too hot for them and being, pugs, they suffer badly in the heat so...I need to find a decent but compact and portable air cooler for the cockpit and saloon. Portable air cons are a no no given the cost and the fact they need a big hose extractor thingy sticking out of a window.
Air coolers are only as good as the chilled water container allows or so I've read but then, a fan will just push the warm air around so...has anybody used a regular fan to good effect, or is the air cooler the only answer?
Make sense?
Thanks
L

 

[superheat6k]

No simple answer here, apart from the basic fan option. However, if you can arrange the fan to blow air through the bottom of the boat the outside cold seawater might be effective at cooling the air.

If you want I do have a portable (hose vented type) sitting in my shed (Hamble village) you can borrow if you like. I used it last year for a couple of weekends, but the trouble is with them is that the cooling air for the condenser that is then vented outside is drawn from the cabin i.e. the air your trying to cool down so they are not very efficient, but for a moderate cabin will suffice. We hang the hose out of a side window. If your cockpit covers are on you could pass the vent hose under a loose edge.

The chilled water type you mentioned is known as an evaporative cooler, and basically works by blowing the air over a tray of cold water, but won't work in damp conditions as it requires a reasonably low humidity to get the evaporation required. Also that evaporated water can end up condensing where you don't want it.

 

[lisilou]

Trevor I might have to take you up on that offer if I can't find something suitable fairly soon so thanks so much for the offer, very grateful. I'll give you a shout if all else fails it if that's ok?
L

 

[superheat6k]

Yep not a problem, SWMBO is here most afternoons apart from the school run, so available at your convenience just PM me first so I can give you our address, get the unit out and let her know someone is coming round.

 

[rafiki_]

Lisa, the Dyson fans are very good, and no external moving parts for inquisitive dogs to get caught up in. Will need 240v, but should be ok for you as I guess the pugs will be peering over the side when on the move, with their tongues wrapped around their necks.

 

[lisilou]

Thanks Trev much appreciated. Hopefully won't need to bother you having just read Rafs post about the Dyson.
Raf..I'm glad you mentioned the Dyson as I was wondering about those and how effective it would be in the cockpit when it's very hot. The mains power is no problem as we won't be going out on the water with the dogs . TJ would be fine but Dave...well, lets just say he's a bit 'special' and could make things a bit stressful lol.

Thanks fellas.
L

 

[bumpy_the_dog]

My daughters cools her pug with a plant mister, one squirt every 15 minutes and he keeps careering around the place in any weather! My wife and I have a couple of chihuahuas, any idea if anyone does dog lifejackets that small?

 

[lisilou]

What a brilliantly simple idea! How could I not have thought of that?! I'm on it right now...thankyou.
Re the chihauhuas...no idea, sorry.
L